A house in multiple occupation (HMO) is a property that is let to at least three unrelated tenants who form more than one household and who share a kitchen, bathroom, toilet or another room.
Licensing an HMO
All houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) occupied by five or more people who are not living together as a single household, but share facilities, need to be licensed.
Applying for an HMO licence
To apply for a five-year HMO licence, please complete the form, provide the supporting documentation and pay the £600 application fee:
HMO licence application form
A £50 discount is available for members of a recognised landlord association (eg the Residential Landlords Association or the National Landlords Association) or a recognised landlord accreditation scheme.
What happens next
We will inspect the property and decide if it meets an acceptable standard. If it does, the property will be licensed.
Unlicensed HMOs
Operating a licensable HMO without a licence or failing to comply with the conditions of an HMO licence is an offence; you could be prosecuted, handed a Civil Penalty of up to £30,000, a Rent Repayment Order or given an unlimited fine.
HMO register
You can view details of licensed HMOs in Elmbridge on our HMO Register.
Checking HMO standards
We carry out routine inspections of all known HMOs in the borough.
If the management of and conditions in the HMO are not up to the required standards, the landlord will be required to improve them.
For more information, read about the standards we require in HMOs in Elmbridge.
Support for landlords
We offer free advice to landlords, including a site visit, to help you make sure that the building is safe, in good repair and has adequate means of detecting and escaping from fire.
Contact Private Sector Housing on 01372 474 624 or email pshousing@elmbridge.gov.uk for more information.
